UF Small Animal Hospital
Cataract Surgery
Cataracts can significantly impact a pet's quality of life, affecting their ability to navigate their surroundings and enjoy everyday activities. At UF Small Animal Hospital, we offer a cataract surgery package that is affordable and competitively priced. Call us today to learn more!
A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that, although not inherently painful, can lead to bigger issues.
An early cataract is often just an incidental finding on your pet’s veterinary exam — like a pinpoint lesion that’s not causing a problem. However, cataracts grow to involve more of the lens, causing a progressive loss of vision. Cataracts can cause other problems too, like increased pressure or inflammation in the eye, which can be painful.
The most common causes of canine cataracts are hereditary disease and diabetes. In cats, chronic intraocular inflammation is most often to blame.
Other problems can cause the eye to appear cloudy, and any of them warrant a veterinary visit. Treatment is available, but it’s most effective sooner versus later.
Evaluation
Cataracts may be small and not interfere with vision or they may be large and significantly impair vision. Most cataracts in the dog are inherited or secondary to diabetes. There are other causes, such as trauma, inflammation or other metabolic disorders, but these are less common. There are no medical therapies currently available to reduce or “cure” cataracts; surgery must be employed. Not all animals with cataracts are suitable candidates for cataract removal. A thorough ophthalmic examination with additional retinal testing is necessary to determine if your pet is a candidate for surgery.
An initial evaluation will involve several eye tests that will help us make a diagnosis and so that we have established baselines to compare progress over time. These tests will include measurement of tear production, the use of ocular stains to assess the integrity of the eye, and measurements of intraocular pressure. It will be necessary to dilate the eyes to get a better look at the periphery of the cataract and the back of the eye (if possible).
If based on the condition of the eyes and the appearance of the cataracts, it is determined that cataract surgery may be indicated for your pet, additional testing is required to ensure that the retina (the structure in the back of the eye that processes light information and sends it to the brain) is healthy.
Some cataracts occur secondary to or are accompanied by loss of retinal function or retinal detachments, which if present will not allow your pet to see well after cataract removal surgery. If this is the case, we will not recommend that cataract surgery be performed.
Cataract Surgery
At the time of evaluation, our ophthalmology team will conduct a thorough assessment of your pet to determine the suitability of cataract surgery. During this visit, we will explain the surgical process, including pre-operative preparations and post-operative care. We will evaluate your pet for any underlying issues that need to be addressed before surgery, such as skin infections, gingivitis, or bloodwork abnormalities. These issues do need to be addressed before this elective surgery can occur.
Bilateral Cataract Surgery Package
If your pet qualifies for bilateral cataract surgery (both eyes), we offer a cataract surgery package that is affordable and competitively priced. This package includes pre-operative eye testing, anesthesia, surgery, hospitalization, initial medication prescriptions, and four follow-up appointments.
Pre-operative Testing
The pre-operative testing will include an electroretinogram (ERG) and an ocular ultrasound. These tests usually require a pet to be sedated and can take a few hours. We usually schedule these for a separate follow-up appointment. Cataract surgery will not be performed on the day of your evaluation. Pre-operative medication must begin and be “on-board” for several days to a few weeks prior to surgery to make sure any inflammation in the eyes associated with the cataracts is controlled before surgery takes place. Also, a thorough systemic evaluation is necessary to determine if your pet is a candidate for general anesthesia, which although not necessary for cataract surgery in people is absolutely critical with cataract surgery in animals.
Additional testing, including pre-anesthetic bloodwork (CBC, serum chemistry, urinalysis and blood lipid profile) or imaging of your pet may be necessary as well. Diabetic patients should be regulated on insulin prior to general anesthesia and surgery. Skin and dental disease must be controlled prior to elective cataract surgery.
The Procedure
Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens from the eye and replaces it with a small artificial lens. This restores the normal pathway of light to the retina and can help your dog regain clearer vision. Surgery may be performed on one or both eyes, depending on the extent of cataracts.
During the procedure, a veterinary ophthalmologist makes a tiny incision in the front of the eye and inserts a small probe. Using ultrasonic energy, the probe breaks up the cloudy lens into small fragments, which are then gently removed from the eye.
Once the cataract has been removed, an artificial lens is placed inside the lens capsule to help restore vision. The incision is then carefully closed with tiny sutures.
Post-Operative Care
Care following cataract surgery is critical to achieving the best possible long-term outcome. We will provide detailed discharge instructions specific to your dog, and it’s important to follow them closely. The recommendations below provide a general overview of what to expect during recovery.
The initial healing period typically lasts about two weeks. For approximately two to four weeks after surgery, your dog will need to wear an Elizabethan collar to protect the eye from accidental injury. Activity will also need to be restricted during this time. Avoid running, jumping and playing, particularly with other pets. Short, controlled leash walks are recommended, using a harness rather than a collar.
Your dog will also need several different eye drops and topical medications following surgery. The frequency of these treatments is generally reduced over the first three to four weeks. Oral medications may also be prescribed for several weeks. Some medications are needed only temporarily, while others may be recommended long term or for life.
Your dog will typically have several follow-up appointments after surgery, with the first visit often scheduled one to two weeks after the procedure. These examinations are an important part of monitoring healing, managing medications and maintaining your dog’s long-term eye health.
Does Your Dog Need Cataract Surgery in Both Eyes?
At UF Small Animal Hospital, we’re committed to making sight-restoring care more accessible. Our new cataract surgery package combines exceptional veterinary ophthalmology care with competitive pricing.
The package also includes four post-operative recheck appointments, providing continued monitoring throughout your dog’s recovery without additional appointment fees.
Call us today at (352) 392-2235 to learn more about the package and available savings.
